teknote systems corporate blog

As pocket “flip” camcorders continue to be all the rage, quality becomes increasingly better with hi-def moving into the picture. Now, not only can you capture video on the fly, but you can actually record with frame rate options and superb video quality. Check out these inexpensive pocketable camcorders:

• Kodak ZI6 Pocket Video Camera
• Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1
• Pure Digital Technologies’ Flip MinoHD minicamcorder
• Sony Unveils Compact, GPS-Enabled HD Camcorder

Be sure to take a look at Pure Digital’s video demo. Portable video gets even more affordable and easy to use each day!

Computer users have watched notebook computers go thinner and light as paper, so what’s next? Even smaller! That’s right, now web surfers have the no-lugging option of sporting miniature notebook computers for logging onto the internet. What could be more handy than a purse-sized computer for checking favorite websites while sipping a latte at the coffee house, as opposed to a 19″ desktop replacement taking up too much table space? A Netbook is the answer.

But wait. Before you go crazy purchasing any old Netbook computer, Teknote Systems recommends that you do some comparison shopping first. Take inventory on how you plan to use the computer and what will be needed in support of that usage. What kind of operating system fits into your comfort zone? Be aware that most manufacturers charge extra for Windows, pre-loading Linux Ubuntu instead unless you request otherwise. Take a long and close look at the specifications. Will the Netbook have enough memory to support software specifications? Review the fine print, or else upgrades may be necessary in your future.

For more information, visit the following websites for help in becoming an informed Netbook shopper:

• Comparison of Netbooks - Wikipedia
• Netbooks Compared: Obsessable Comparator
• IntelliReview: Top 10 Netbooks Voted by Consumer Reviewers
• Business Week, Stephen H. Wildstrom: HP’s Mini 1000 mi Takes Netbooks a Big Step Forward

For those interested in blogging but without the time to generate elaborate posts, ‘microblogging’ is a much better alternative. What is microblogging? Basically microblogging is blogging in a nutshell, or posting web logs in about 200 characters or less. Services such as Twitter, Jaiku and Pownce are popular with microbloggers who post updates about what they are doing, and the number of microblog users continues to grow exponentially.

With the increased number of microbloggers sharing posts, users are turning toward indexing services the help monitor microblog feeds. FriendFeed, twhirl, Quotably.com and Tweetscan are useful tools in keeping track of online public conversations within Twitter, Jaiku and Pownce. Hidden or ‘protected’ posts are not tracked, an added layer of security for bloggers wanting messages to be viewed only by privately selected users.

Current events have never before been so rapidly broadcast, with microblogs quickly becoming the new electronic wave pushing mainstream media to the wayside. What are you doing now anyway?

Watching television shows from your computer is no longer a thing of the future. A quickly growing company by the name of Hulu provides online viewing of TV episodes, clips and movies around the clock in the United States. Want to know more? View this video walkthrough:

Vending machines are known for providing consumers a quick snack or beverage while on-the-go, but iPods and perfume? That’s right. ZoomSystems has created vending machines to sell electronics and beauty products in U.S. airports and stores such as Macy’s. With the use of touch screens, consumers can interactively purchase Apple iPods, Elizabeth Arden cosmetics, Sony digital cameras and more exclusive name-brand products without ever talking to a salesperson.

But are these vending machines a fad or will they actually catch on with shoppers? Personally, in comparison to shopping online, I like the idea of instantly receiving my purchase rather than waiting for the item to be shipped to my home. However the drawback I can see is in returning items, which is not quite as simple. Rather than taking the item directly to a ‘brick and mortar’ store for a refund or exchange, I would be forced to ship the item back to the factory and then wait to receive a refund. Not exactly a quick and easy process, but then again impulse buyers tend not to think ahead about the possibility of having to return a product.

Now to see how shoppers react and if the machines stand the test of time.

Who says voice mail over the Internet is not just for the corporate world? Google, that’s who! Simply download Google Talk and get started with free online communication, including instant messaging and voice mail service. Not interested in another download? No problem. Just launch the Google Talk gadget and be on your way to instant communication.

Get Google Talk while it’s hot!

Why should Grandma and Grandpa Jones miss out on email and family photos just because they don’t own a computer? They shouldn’t, precisely why Presto came up with the idea of a printing mailbox service. Presto prints the recipient’s email messages and/or photo attachments on a daily schedule similar to regular postal mail delivery. Access to a computer with or without internet service is not required, only a telephone line, printing mailbox and subscription to Presto’s service.

Technology is an such amazing thing.

Apple’s release of its new Mac OS X Leopard has all the tech critics talking raving. Not only is the operating system an improvement on an already proven leader, but Leopard applies a human touch with the use of file Stacks for organization and Finder for management. As an additional and much needed feature, Apple also introduces Time Machine as a solution for file backup and recovery. And with a pricetag less than $200 for a new install or upgrade, these features (and 300+ more) are well worth the investment for Apple computer users.

This is the kind of stir in technology that makes us Windows users tempted to jump ship…

Move over cable & telephone companies, WiMAX is making headway. Columnist Jay Greene (BusinessWeek) provides a review of WiMAX via Clearwire service, sending a positive message about the future of WiMAX and our online experience:

If you’re fortysomething or older, like me, you probably remember the thrill of getting your first home dial-up connection to the Net. Then came broadband, which was pure magic. And then Wi-Fi, which delivered fast Web access throughout the home, as well as in cares and airport lounges. Now I’m completely spoiled. I want my Internet wherever I happen to be. An emerging technology called WiMAX aims to indulge that craving… [more]

~ “A Sneak Preview of WiMAX” by Jay Greene, BusinessWeek, Sept. 3, 2007.

Recently posted in a Microsoft Watch blog, a technology columnist delivers a scathing review of Microsoft’s Vista operating system:

The Vista experience is broken. It’s long past time to fix it. Not since Windows ME or Mac OS X 10.0 have I observed a more troubled consumer operating system. This is a difficult post to write, because I really don’t want to beat on Microsoft about Vista yet again. But yesterday’s continuation of the Windows Vista Capable lawsuit and several conversations I had today are reasons to look at what Microsoft got wrong and why the company should make things right.

Simply put: Windows Vista is a train wreck, but it didn’t have to be. Unfortunately, my “Wow” moment was accepting Windows Vista for what it is. Vista will succeed in the marketplace because of the huge infrastructure built up around the operating system. But that doesn’t mean most people will like using Vista, or even ask for it. [more]

~ “Broken Windows” by Joe Wilcox, eWeek Microsoft Watch, Aug. 9, 2007.

Ditto… ouch.